How to Say "protection" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “protection” is “protección” — use this for general, everyday protection or safety, like physical barriers or measures taken to prevent harm.
protección
Examples
El casco ofrece protección contra caídas.
The helmet offers protection against falls.
seguridad
se-goo-ree-DAHDseɣuɾiˈðað
Examples
Por favor, pónganse el cinturón de seguridad.
Please, put on your seatbelt.
La seguridad de los niños es nuestra principal preocupación.
The safety of the children is our main concern.
Instalaron nuevas cámaras de seguridad en la calle.
They installed new security cameras on the street.
Always Feminine
Words that end in '-dad' in Spanish are almost always feminine. That's why we say 'la seguridad' (the safety) and 'una buena seguridad' (good safety).
defensa
deh-FEN-sahdeˈfensa
Examples
La defensa de sus ideales fue muy emotiva.
The defense of her ideals was very moving.
El gobierno asegura la defensa del territorio nacional.
The government ensures the defense of national territory.
Necesitamos crear una defensa fuerte contra el virus.
We need to create a strong defense against the virus.
Always Feminine
Even if the person performing the defense is male, 'defensa' itself is always feminine: 'la defensa'.
abrigo
ah-BREE-gohaˈβɾi.ɣo
Examples
Buscaron abrigo de la tormenta bajo un árbol.
They sought shelter from the storm under a tree.
La organización ofrece abrigo a las personas sin hogar.
The organization offers shelter (or refuge) to homeless people.
Encontró abrigo en los brazos de su familia.
He found protection (or solace) in the arms of his family.
Formal Usage
This meaning is often used in formal writing or when talking about concepts like safety and charity, rather than everyday conversation.
amparo
ahm-PAH-rohamˈpaɾo
Examples
Los niños crecen bajo el amparo de su familia.
The children grow up under the protection of their family.
Buscamos amparo de la lluvia en un pequeño café.
We sought shelter from the rain in a small café.
Se sintió sola y sin amparo en la gran ciudad.
She felt alone and without protection in the big city.
Always Masculine
Even though it often refers to abstract concepts like 'safety,' this word is always masculine: 'el amparo' or 'un amparo.'
Using the 'Bajo' Connector
When saying someone is 'under' someone's protection, we almost always use the word 'bajo' (bajo el amparo de...).
Amparo vs. Protección
Mistake: “Using 'amparo' for a phone case.”
Correction: Use 'funda' or 'protección.' 'Amparo' is usually for people, rights, or physical shelter from the elements, not small objects.
espaldas
es-PAL-dasesˈpalðas
Examples
Con las espaldas del banco, el proyecto será un éxito.
With the bank's backing, the project will be a success.
Con la espaldas del banco, el proyecto será un éxito.
With the bank's backing, the project will be a success.
Tiene muchas espaldas políticas, por eso nadie lo critica.
He has a lot of political backing (or influence), that's why no one criticizes him.
Figurative Use
In this sense, 'espaldas' represents figurative strength or support, like a powerful person standing behind you.
custodia
koos-TOH-dee-ahkusˈto.ðja
Examples
La policía puso el cargamento bajo custodia hasta que llegara el camión blindado.
The police placed the shipment under safekeeping until the armored truck arrived.
El presidente viaja siempre con un equipo de custodia personal.
The president always travels with a personal security detail (guard).
The Preposition 'Bajo'
When talking about an item being protected, you almost always use the preposition 'bajo' (under): 'bajo custodia' means 'under protection/guard' or 'in safekeeping'.
Confusing 'Custodia' and 'Cuidado'
Mistake: “Using 'cuidado' when referring to police guard or legal safekeeping.”
Correction: Use 'custodia' for official or security protection, and 'cuidado' for general care or attention.
escudo
es-COO-dohesˈkuðo
Examples
El caballero levantó su escudo para detener la flecha.
The knight raised his shield to stop the arrow.
Mi familia es mi escudo contra los problemas del mundo.
My family is my shield against the world's problems.
Gender Rule
Since 'escudo' ends in -o, it is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' before it: 'el escudo', 'los escudos'.
General vs. Specific Protection
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.